How to Cook King Crab Legs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

King Crab Legs are a luxurious, restaurant-quality seafood dish you can easily prepare at home. Sweet, tender, and naturally rich in flavor, they cook quickly and pair perfectly with melted butter and fresh lemon. Whether you steam, bake, or grill them, King Crab Legs make an impressive meal for any special occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

frozen or fresh King Crab Legs (thawed if frozen)
water (for steaming or boiling)
unsalted butter (melted, for serving)
lemon wedges (for serving)

directions

To steam:
Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket or colander over the pot. Add the crab legs to the basket, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

To boil:
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the crab legs and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. Drain and serve immediately.

To bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

To grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush crab legs with melted butter or olive oil. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and lightly charred.

Serve the hot crab legs with melted butter and fresh lemon wedges. Crack open with kitchen shears or a crab cracker and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5-20 minutes, depending on method
Total time: 10-25 minutes

Variations

Add garlic or herbs to the melted butter for extra flavor.
Serve with a side of cocktail sauce or spicy aioli.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

storage/reheating

Store leftover King Crab Legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently by steaming or baking until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the meat tender.

FAQs

Do I need to thaw frozen King Crab Legs first?
Yes! Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking.

Can I eat King Crab Legs cold?
Yes—they’re fully cooked when purchased and can be served chilled with dipping sauces.

What’s the easiest way to crack the shells?
Use kitchen shears to cut along the shell for easy access to the meat.

Should I add seasoning to the cooking water?
You can! Add a squeeze of lemon or a bay leaf for extra flavor.

How do I know when they’re done?
King Crab Legs are already cooked—just heat until hot all the way through.

Conclusion

King Crab Legs are surprisingly simple to prepare at home and deliver an impressive, mouthwatering seafood experience. Whether you steam, boil, bake, or grill them, they’re always delicious served with melted butter, fresh lemon, and good company.

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